Coffee may be your mind-sharpening tool of choice, but some of Silicon Valley’s brightest brains are relying on something substantially stronger for their morning pick-me-up.

Young professionals in the technological hub are microdosing on lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and magic mushrooms to help them to concentrate – increase productivity and enhance creativity – according to Rolling Stone.

By routinely taking a minuscule amount – about 10 micrograms of LSD, or 0.2-0.5 grams of mushrooms – a tenth of a normal dose – users are said to benefit from the illegal drugs’ ‘subperceptual’ effects.

Rick Doblin – founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies told the magazine that the dose – usually taken in the morning before starting work – is enough ‘to feel a little bit of energy lift – a little bit of insight – but not so much that you are tripping.

Microdosing is said to be a worldwide trend – though author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide James Fadiman has reportedly observed a ‘steady consistent stream’ of users who originate in the San Francisco area.

‘What people say is that whatever they’re doing they seem to be doing it a little better’ Fadiman told Live Science.

‘They’re a little kinder – a little bit nicer with their kids’.

The psychologist and researcher at Sofia University in Palo Alto said the innovation-boosting strategy has not only been seen to alleviate depression – migraines and chronic-fatigue syndrome – but is also ‘an extremely healthy alternative to [amphetamine] Adderall’.